CSIRO to replace Altix supercomputer
CSIRO’s Advanced Scientific Computing (ASC) division is to replace its SGI Altix supercomputer in an effort to increase the software compatibility of its high performance computing.
CSIRO’s Advanced Scientific Computing (ASC) division is to replace its SGI Altix supercomputer in an effort to increase the software compatibility of its high performance computing.
The Business Council of Australia (BCA) has called for the Federal Government to apply a cost-benefit analysis of the National Broadband Network (NBN), further suggesting that funding to the national infrastructure project be put on hold to pay for the damage of the Queensland Floods.
Exetel chief John Linton has predicted a "negative nightmare" ahead of Telstra's December half-year results announcement.
Defence is set to brush up on ICT security skills, signalling intentions to provide all personnel with additional training on technology-related risk.
Telstra has set about assessing the initial impact of cyclone Yasi on its network and the safety of its staff in North Queensland.
Competition for skills caused by the resources boom and efforts to rebuild post-flood Queensland will not delay the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN), at least in the short term, according to NBN Co.
NBN Co, the company responsible for delivering the National Broadband Network (NBN), may face a skills shortage and consequent project delays as a result of rebuilding efforts in post-flood Queensland and continued mining projects.
According to Access Economics's latest investment and structural change monitoring report, resources investment and associated infrastructure works continue to dominate the Australian investment landscape, with strong commodity prices delivering a profits surge. The subsequent boom has made new investment projects irresistible, according to the research firm.
“Government spending on economic infrastructure projects remains significant, and will also ramp up to deal with the aftermath of flood damage, primarily in Queensland,” the report reads.
“[The] scale of the infrastructure repair job in Queensland and elsewhere… will no doubt be a feature of 2011, though the floods may also end up delaying some mining production and investment,” the report reads.
The report also finds that the NBN is itself a major source of skills competition to the resources sector and post-flood rebuilding efforts.
“Like the 2006 to 2008 period, resources investment is once again booming and there are also likely to be demands from other engineering construction projects – particularly the NBN and other work on badly neglected urban infrastructure,” the report reads.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard last week pledged the NBN would continue to be rebuilt despite the floods, but signalled significant changes to plans for infrastructure investments in most Australian states, including scrapping six major road projects in Queensland.
According to Access Economics director, David Rumbens, competition from the mining boom and reconstruction efforts would likely place a strain on skills supply and could effectively slow the rollout speed of the NBN.
“Yes, we do believe delays are likely given the scale of resources projects and flood reconstruction work along with the NBN,” Rumbens, told Computerwold Australia.
“This is coming at the same time as a slowing down in workforce growth, as net overseas migration has fallen and the rate of retirements looks set to increase.”
The skills shortage to date has not stopped the fibre network wholesaler from continued hiring sprees, most recently appointing Hitachi Data Systems senior marketing manager Tim Smith to head up marketing at the company. The company is advertising for close to 100 jobs on its website, about the same as it was offering in November. However, expected salaries for new positions at the company have reportedly declined since the company was first established in 2009.
The floods have in recent times also caused a ramping up of political pressure on the NBN Co, with Opposition calls to scrap the project to help pay for the flood damage, and reposts from NBN Co chief Mike Quigley as to why the national infrastructure project should remain. A recent study by Essential Research indicated 28 per cent of those surveyed supported abandoning the NBN to help pay for rebuilding Queensland.
NBN Co has been contacted for comment on the state of its skills and potential delays to the NBN’s rollout but is yet to respond.
Public support for the National Broadband Network (NBN) could be on the wane with a new poll finding both Liberal/National and Labor voters favour the private sector, rather than the government, to deliver broadband services.
NBN Co, the company responsible for delivering the National Broadband Network (NBN), may face a skills shortage and consequent project delays as a result of rebuilding efforts in post-flood Queensland and continued mining projects.
The National Australia Bank (NAB) is reporting issues with its online banking portal and directing customers to use its phone banking system as an alternate.
Networking vendors are reporting that there are no shortages of business- or consumer-grade networking gear despite the current floods inundating thousands of businesses and homes across much of the country.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is to overhaul its data and systems security shortly, with the deployment of new organisation-wide antivirus and anti-malware suites.
Australia and the UK have committed to furthering cyber security between the two countries under the existingAustralia-UK Ministerial (AUKMIN) consultations currently underway.
Electronic warfare, high-end systems integration and software support have been identified by the Department of Defence as critical domestic industries for the future Defence capabilities of the country.
The Australian Pirate Party has declared the rally held in Sydney over the weekend in support of WikiLeaks a success, claiming attendance of up to 1000 people.